ZAMBIA – The Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) successfully launched its Foundational Legislative Drafting Training Programme in Zambia, marking a significant step in its mission to enhance the legislative drafting skills of government lawyers and support the development of robust legal frameworks across Africa.
 


The two-week training, held from 25 November to 06 December 2024 in Lusaka, brought together 30 government lawyers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Judiciary, National Prosecution Authority, Zambia Law Development Commission, Public Private Partnership Office, and the Energy Regulatory Board.
 


Why Legislative Drafting Matters 

Effective legislation forms the backbone of governance, ensuring clarity, enforceability, and adaptability in addressing the evolving needs of society. By equipping participants with contemporary legislative drafting skills, the programme aims to foster the creation of laws that are robust, clear, and enforceable. 
 


Programme Overview: Tailored and Impactful Specialised Legal Training

CIJ’s Foundational Legislative Drafting Training Programme are tailored to each country’s unique legislative landscape, addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by government lawyers across diverse sectors.
 


Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants explored the nuances of drafting legislation for various sectors. The programme was designed as a demand-driven initiative, specifically addressing gaps in knowledge and practice among government lawyers involved in drafting laws and regulations.

Expanding CIJ’s Impact Across Africa
While this initiative marked CIJ’s first foundational training programme in Zambia, it is only the beginning. In 2025, CIJ plans to roll out similar programmes in Malawi and other African countries, continuing its efforts to build institutional capacity and promote sustainable law reform across the continent.


“Good laws are the foundation of a just and equitable society and a catalyst for economic prosperity. This programme is a step forward in building the expertise required to create effective legal frameworks. At CIJ, we are dedicated to equipping legal professionals with the tools they need to drive meaningful reforms in their countries” said Ron Chari, Executive Director of CIJ.
 


Building Capacity for Sustainable Legal Reform

The Foundational Legislative Drafting Training Programme embodies CIJ’s vision for a future where good governance and sustainable development are underpinned by strong legal frameworks. This initiative demonstrated CIJ’s commitment to supporting government-led law reform initiatives that drive impactful change.